Hot & Spicy Chicken Wings

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 35 mins

Servings: 4 (about 20 wings)

Category: Appetizer

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken wings (split, tips off—ready to rock!)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (keeps ‘em juicy)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (that smoky vibe)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (bring the heat!)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s or your fave—go bold)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (melts into spicy glory)
  • Optional: ranch or blue cheese dip (to cool the fire)

Nutrition (per serving, without dip)

Calories: 480
Total Fat: 36g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 2g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 34g

Instructions

  1. Let’s crank up the heat! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top—keeps those wings crispy, not soggy!
  2. Pat the wings dry with paper towels—dry wings mean crispy wings! Toss ‘em in a big bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix it up—get every wing coated in that spicy goodness!
  3. Spread the wings out on the rack—give ‘em space to breathe! Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway. You want ‘em golden and crispy—oh, that sizzle is music to my ears!
  4. While they’re baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then stir in the hot sauce—watch it turn into this fiery, glossy sauce. Smells like a party already!
  5. When the wings are done, toss ‘em straight into a big bowl with that hot sauce mix—coat ‘em good! Don’t be shy—let ‘em swim in that spicy love.
  6. Taste one—holy wow, that kick! Adjust with more hot sauce if you’re a heat freak, or leave it as is if your tongue’s already dancing. Stack ‘em high on a platter.
  7. Serve ‘em hot with ranch or blue cheese dip on the side—cool relief for the brave! Perfect for game night, a party, or just because you’re craving a spicy fix. Grab a wing and dig in—messy fingers guaranteed!